Sanders, Cummings Target Another Drugmaker for Price Hikes

Two of the most vocal lawmakers when it comes to cracking down on drug price increases are questioning another company about recent increases.

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-Md.) sent a letter to ARIAD Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Thursday, seeking details about price increases to a drug that treats chronic myeloid leukemia called Iclusig. They’re questioning the drug’s price, which has been increased four times this year alone, while safety concerns have also been raised about the product in recent years.

“These outrageous sales tactics indicate that ARIAD is more concerned with its profit than with its patients,” the duo writes.

The lawmakers are requesting information about the company’s gross and net revenues, profits and operating profits from the sales of the drug, as well as details about who has purchased the drug, when and how much they paid for certain quantities of the product.

They also ask about the expenses related to developing and marketing the drug and its contracts and purchasing agreements for active ingredients in the drug, among other things.

“In the interest of patients and taxpayers, we are interested in learning more about the impact that the escalating price and restrictions on product availability have had,” they write.